Impact Sensor: Description and Operation

The impact sensor provides verification of the direction and severity of an impact. One impact sensor is used. It is located inside the airbag control module (ACM), which is mounted to the floor transmission tunnel, under the instrument panel and forward of the floor console.

The impact sensor is an accelerometer that senses the rate of deceleration. The microprocessor in the ACM monitors the impact sensor signal. A pre-programmed decision algorithm in the microprocessor determines when the deceleration rate indicates an impact that is severe enough to require airbag system protection. The ACM then sends an electrical signal to deploy the airbag system components. The sensor is calibrated for the specific vehicle.

The impact sensor is only serviced as a unit with the ACM. The sensor cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, the ACM unit must be replaced.